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Eight Ways to Help Your Mom (and You) Stay Younger Longer

Barbara@PutOldonHold.

Barbara@PutOldonHold.com.

Best regards

Barbara Morris, R.Ph.
http://www.PutOldonHold.com

Eight Ways to Help Your Mom (and You) Stay Younger Longer
If you are at midlife or younger, you need to start
thinking about your aging mom, and how you can help her
(and you) stay younger and healthier longer.

This is important. The quality of your own "golden years"
will depend on the quality of your mom's life. Whatever you
can do to help her stay mentally and physically strong and
flexible will pay huge dividends for her, for you, and your
family. (Preserving the quality of life of your dad is
equally important, and much of what applies to mom applies
to dad.)

If your mom is now in good health, and is open to change
there is a lot you can do go help her stay independent and
out of a nursing home down the road. Even if you think
she's doing great right now, and doesn't need help from
you, remember that aging successfully is all about
preparation. Her condition today is no assurance of what
she will be like in five years unless both of you prepare.

The keys to successfully helping your mom are twofold: her
willingness and ability to accept change, and your
understanding of what it will take to help her.

As years go by, we get comfortable with our lifestyle and
change becomes increasingly difficult, so it's important to
start early while she is still aware that she needs to take
an active role in controlling her aging process. If you can
do that, your job will be easier, and your rewards (and
hers) will be greater.

There are several important things you can do:

1. If she is not in an exercise program, buy her a
membership at a gym. Buy one for yourself if needed, and go
together. Maintaining strength is crucial for staying
independent. It also helps avoid osteoporosis.

2. As an alternative to a gym, get her a treadmill and
motivate her to use it. If you are not using a treadmill,
this is a good time to invest in one and perhaps share the
cost.

3. Buy her a subscription to a good newsletter that will
teach her about nutrition and supplements, and encourage
her to stay on the right track. If you do not subscribe to
one for yourself, perhaps you could split the cost.

4. Don't be overly solicitous for her welfare. Let her do
for herself what she can and wants to do. For example, if
mom wants to wash windows, telling her "You don't have to
do that anymore; I can do it for you" is not helpful.
Encourage her independence. It will benefit everyone long
term.

5. Help her keep her mind active. Crossword puzzles are
great ? for you, too. If she doesn't know how to use a
computer, encourage her to sign up for a class. If she
doesn't work but would like to, knowing how to use a
computer will help her get a worthwhile job that will keep
her mentally sharp and physically active. It will also
help her financially, and probably your family, in the long
run.

6. If she is in good shape financially, encourage her to
spend money on herself. Help her update her appearance and
wardrobe. The better she knows she looks, the happier she
will be. If she wants to get a facelift, more power to her.
(Just make sure the two of you do your homework before you
decide on a surgeon.) Encourage her to keep her teeth in
good repair. It's more than a matter of cosmetics; it's a
health issue if she has bleeding or infected gums or
missing teeth. If she would like braces on her teeth, go
for it. I had braces on my teeth when I was 69. It was a
great decision. Does she want new veneers or crowns? A nice
white smile will take years off her appearance.

7. Encourage her independence, even if your father is still
in the picture. If she is overly dependent on him and he
departs this earth unexpectedly, it will be an unnecessary
burden for you and for her if she isn't prepared to stand
on her own two feet. Make certain she knows the passwords
to all financial accounts, and where everything is located.
It is essential she knows what he knows. If your father
does most of the driving, she should be just as comfortable
behind the wheel as he is, assuming both are equally
capable. If she is not used to driving, and suddenly has
to drive, it takes time to regain confidence.

8. If she is alone and finds a significant other, be happy
for her and try not to meddle. However, if it is clear the
guy is a potential threat to her health, happiness or
pocketbook, then meddle. You have my permission. It's
unfortunate that many older women are willing to settle for
anything just to have someone (who may not be suitable for
any number of reasons) in their life. Over the
prescription counter, I have heard many sad tales about
loneliness, frustration, and competition for barely
breathing males in the senior community.

To be fair, I've heard some great stories about love found
late in life. But even some of the heartwarming stories
have a sad ending. I recall a woman in her late seventies
who became engaged. As she showed me her ring, glowing with
happiness, she gushed, "I can't believe it is possible to
feel this way at my age." Not too long after, the
engagement was off because she discovered "he wasn't the
man I thought he was." Better to find out sooner than
later!

Depending on your own personal situation, you can think of
other things to help your mom live happily in her golden
years. Think about it now, and do what you have to do for
the both of you.

----------------------------------------------------
Barbara Morris is a pharmacist and author of Put Old on
Hold. Visit her web site http://www.PutOldonHold.com and
sign up for her newsletter and receive a free copy of the
special report, "Thirteen Diva Tested Tips For Fabulous
Skin."

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